Griggs courier., 1887-12-23

n oil Before 1t, holding palette and
mahl-stack In rest stood pretty Doris, the
graceful outlines Of whose figure even the
ugly blue bottomed blouse reaching to her
feat could not hide. s 3
Reclining at case in an old arm -chair near
the little air-tight stove which served to
warm the interior, was Paul Blake the
doceors gcod-looking artist nephew, twirl.
ing an unlghted cigarette between his aim
white fngen M 8 4
Before Doctor Blake could step forward
eoannounoe his presence, Paul spoke-evi.
IDENTITY aprepos Of some thing under Discus
sion g5s - .4
TITS no use talking, Doris, !" he said, ,some-
what petulantly. IT uncle Paul won't give
his consent to our marriage, q you seem to
think, why We must do without II that's
an''
Doctor Blake turned very pale as he
heard these words not intended for his ear.
But pulling himself together with an effort
he stepped forward. s',i.s
At his unexpected appearance Doris
gave sudden start and, cEimsoning to her
fair temple, threw cloth over the portrait
But not before Doctor Blake had caught .
glimpse OF his nephew's broad white fore
head and expressive eyea
The Doctor, pretending to have heard and
seen nothing, greeted Paul with his usual
easy courtesy. But that usually self-pos-
sessed young man. muttering something
about previous engagement, made hasty
exit leaving the Doctor and his ward alone
together.
Silent and distrait, and utterly unlike the
happy young girl who was accustomed to
greet him with her brightest smile, Doris
stood with downcast eyes seemingly intent
on studying the colors on her palette
Now his nephew's fragmentary speech
had completely upset Doctor Blake-if I
may use the homely simile He had known
for some time that Paul had persistently
haunted Doris studio to the scandal of Mrs
MACK, and his own secret uneasinesa But
that matters had gone 90 far he never
dreamed
Yet. being brave man, DE- Blake crushed
down his rebellious feelinga He had come
on q mission of peace. A little .fnese might
be advisable, for impulsive Doris was not
apt to listen patiently when MIRA Mack,
whom she exceedingly disliked, was the
topic Perhaps he had better begin by
mentioning the invitation that morning re-
to eat their N Years dinner with the
Marstona Thus he could lead up to the
topic desired by slow degrees.
II suppose Doris. " said the Doctor, break
ing an awkward silence, 'sthat-e'r-Mra
Mack has told you We are engaged"
She has just given me to understand 30
yes" coldly interrupted Doris
This was not encouraging. He would beat
about the bush no longer but mention his
errand at once
sAs you know, Doris" again began Dr.
Black, nervousiy clearing his throat, ..Mrn
Mack Is most excellent housekeeper. and
we-
Doris beautiful face. as pale as death, was
suddenly turned toward him, checking his
further explanation.
Il do not cure to listen to q recital Of MrR
Mack's accomplishments or virtues" cried
Doris. with passionate resentment unlike
the Doris he knew-''she and are thor
oughly antagonisttc It does not matter
though" she stid, with sudden half pa
thetic change Of voice and manner-.we
shall not trouble each other in the future.
III have accepted an offer received to-
day and shall no longer be dependent ON
your-bounty."
Though stricken to the heart Dr. Blake
was too proud to make any sign. He
waited moment for Doris to explain
further, but Doris was dumb. Could he
have seen her quivering lips he might have
known the reason.
II hope you may be happy in your new
life, Doris" It cost DR. Blake q tremen-
dous effort to say thia Too well he knew
the weak will and vacillating purpose Of
his nephew, who would never succeed in
his call ng, simply from lack Of energy and
application. And this was the man who
had won his pretty ward!
Thank you" SAID Doris in low tone.
But, as she suddenly lifted her deep. sharp
brief moment, he fancied he saw I'm their
inscrutable depths?
All the self-repressed passion Of his nat
ure rose suddenly to the surface For the
first time in his years Of guardianship, DR.
Paul Blake forgot to hold himself in check
Crossing the space between them with q
single stride, Dr. Blake seized both Doris
small hands in his own:
DORIS my darling-can it be possible?"
he exclaimed, in half bewilderment
And his voice, as well a. the love-light
shining from his eyes, supplied what was
lacking of further speech
food Of telL-tale crimson suffused the
fair girls brow, cheeks and neck.
How dare you'll hate you. DE- Blake"
She impetuously cried in the same breath. |
And wrenching herself from his OBTAINING |
grasp. Doris. hiding her hot face In her |
hands. burst into an agony Of weeping.
Well would dismayed Dr. Blake have de-
sired to kiss away her tears, a. when Doris
was tiny maiden. But-she hated him;
that settled it Exhaling sigh. which
leemed to come from his boot-soles, the |
doctor turned, and made his way hastily /
dOwn-stai1s Doris waited till the echo Of
his footsteps had died away; then, drying
her eyes on diminutive handkerchief, she
stamped her small foot with considerable
energy. |